Dishwashers - Things You Need to Know Before You Buy

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The very first step in any major purchase is to determine your budget, how much you can and are willing to spend. This will help you to narrow down the features that are most important to you, differentiating between what you may want and what you actually need. This way you will be able to purchase the dishwasher that is the best value for your money.

In the major appliance market, more money usually equals more bells and whistles, but these are often unnecessary features that are used to simply mark up the price. So as you begin looking, shop around and ask questions.

Before You Shop:

Determine what size dishwasher will fit in the kitchen space that you currently have. If your kitchen is not equipped for a dishwasher, then a compact, portable dishwasher may be what you need unless you are willing to spend the money to hire a contractor and invest in some kitchen remodeling.

Energy Efficiency:

As society becomes more energy conscious, manufacturers are trying to make dishwashers that use less water and energy. You will need to consider how much pre-washing you are willing to do. If you are diligent to rinse your dishes immediately then a lower energy-consuming dishwasher will likely do the job. However, if your dishes sit for a while and get crusted over, they will require a tougher wash which may not be what the more energy-efficient models offer. Typically, if you scrape off food immediately and run dishes through the dishwasher right away then that should be enough. Too much pre-rinsing and pre-washing actually wastes water in the long run.

Fancy Features:

For a lower price, you can get an effective dishwasher, but it will likely be much noisier. If the noise level is not a concern for you then you can cut costs this way.

If you often cook for guests or if you have a large family, being able to change the layout of your dishwasher can be a useful feature. Look for a dishwasher with adjustable racks and cutlery holders.

A dirt sensor can adjust the water use and cycle length depending on the load but the more computerised your appliance, the more likely and difficult the repairs. Similarly, a rinse/hold cycle allows you to rinse dirty dishes when you don't have a full load to run through.

Dishwashers typically have three cycles, but many newer and higher-end dishwashers have a plethora of cycle options depending on the types of dishes you will be washing. Most people will find the basic dishwasher cycles to be adequate. For example, a dishwasher may have an option for washing crystal but if you feel more comfortable hand washing your crystal then this would be an unnecessary feature.

Do Your Homework:

Read reviews of various brands before you shop. Ask questions and take time to consider your needs before you shop.